April 21, 2016

Eileen A. Walsh; served College for 49 years in multiple roles

Eileen A. Walsh, an administrative assistant and a human resources administrator who served Providence College for 49 years before retiring, died on Nov. 8, 2015.

IM-eileen_walsh_1994_webMiss Walsh took a two-week temporary typing job in the Physics Department in 1947 and remained with the College until 1996, when she retired as the associate director of human resources.

Her primary role before moving to human resources in 1984 was as an administrative assistant to Very Rev. Vincent C. Dore, O.P. ’23 &’45Hon. She served Father Dore in his roles as dean, academic vice president, superior of the Dominican community, president, and chancellor, with the latter position lasting from 1965 until his death in 1984.

During Father Dore’s term as president from 1961-1965, Miss Walsh was appointed an assistant in the Personnel Office and thus coordinated the workloads and services of the secretaries of the various departments across campus. She was named assistant director of personnel in 1971 and was the first woman appointed to this position. She was named personnel officer in 1979.

Her contributions to the College included serving as a member of a task force that was formed in fall 1990 to review employee benefit programs.

Miss Walsh received the Very Reverend Vincent C. Dore, O.P. Award from the Greater Providence Chapter of the National Alumni Association, the Mal Brown Club, in 1977. The Dominican Order also honored her service and dedication with two awards, the Laudare Medal and the Benemerenti Medal.

Born in Providence, Miss Walsh was a lifelong Rhode Island resident. She attended St. Anthony School, St. Mary’s Academy of the Visitation, and St. Francis Xavier Academy, all in Providence.She lived in Providence and Cranston before moving to East Greenwich in 2005.

Miss Walsh is survived by a brother, Raymond L. Walsh, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Miss Walsh was celebrated on Nov. 17 in St. Pius V Church, adjacent to College campus. Burial was in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Providence College Angel Fund in care of the Office of Institutional Advancement, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI, 02918-0001.